It is well known to cricketers and fans that MS Dhoni is very accurate with the Decision Review System (DRS). Some have even called it "Dhoni Review System". Yet again, he was spot on, during the 1st ODI between India and Sri Lanka in Dharamsala yesterday (December 10). However, did he break International Cricket Council's (ICC) rules?
On the last ball of the 33rd over, Jasprit Bumrah (0) was adjudged LBW to left-arm spinner Sachith Pathirana by Indian umpire Anil Chaudhary. As soon as the decision was made, Dhoni, who was at the non-striker's end, quickly asked for the review signalling "T". [Watch the video]
Chaudhary accepted Dhoni's review request and consulted the third umpire Paul Reiffel of Australia. The replays showed that the impact of the ball was outside the offstump and the decision was reversed.
The question which needs to be asked now is how was Dhoni allowed to ask for a review when he was not the batsman given out. According to ICC's Playing Conditions on Player Reviews, only the batsman who has been dismissed can ask for review. Here, Bumrah did not take the call.
"Only the batsman involved in a dismissal may request a Player Review of an Out decision," states the ICC rule.
So how did Chaudhary allow Dhoni to take the call? Were they both not aware of the rules? Was it right?
Sri Lanka defeated India by seven wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the three-ODI series. Dhoni top-scored with 65 in India's dismal batting display as they were bowled out for 112. The second game is in Mohali on Wednesday (December 13).
Here is what ICC ODI Playing Conditions say on Player Reviews
3 Player Review
The following paragraphs shall operate in addition to and in conjunction with paragraph 2 (Umpire Review).
3.1 Circumstances in which a Player Review may be requested
3.1.1 A player may request a review of any decision taken by the on-field umpires concerning whether or not a batsman is dismissed, with the exception of 'Timed Out' (Player Review).
3.1.2 No other decisions made by the umpires are eligible for a Player Review with the exception of Fair Catch/Bump Ball (even after the third umpire has been consulted and the decision communicated).
3.1.3 Only the batsman involved in a dismissal may request a Player Review of an Out decision and only the captain (or acting captain) of the fielding team may request a Player Review of a Not out decision.
3.1.4 A decision concerning whether or not a batsman is dismissed that could have been the subject of a Umpire Review under paragraph 2 is eligible for a Player Review as soon as it is clear that the on-field umpire has chosen not to initiate the Umpire Review.
